(GENERAL-22-42) StudentAid.gov Enhancements and Modifications Starting July 2022 (Updated Dec. 12, 2022)

Author
Federal Student Aid
Electronic Announcement ID
GENERAL-22-42
Subject
StudentAid.gov Enhancements and Modifications Starting July 2022 (Updated Dec. 12, 2022)

Note

Beginning Dec. 12, 2022, and continuing on a rolling basis for the next couple months, Federal Student Aid will require existing customers to set up two-step verification the next time they log in to StudentAid.gov if they have not already done so. A brief description about two-step verification is provided in the announcement below.

On July 10, 2022, we made additional updates to StudentAid.gov features designed to improve the information and self-service tools available to our customers. These updates continue Federal Student Aid’s (FSA's) commitment to improve customer experiences and outcomes through ongoing modernization of our technology, tools, and resources.

This announcement summarizes updated features that are now available.

Updated Features on StudentAid.gov

These features were added or updated with this release.

  • Two-Step Verification – This process requires customers to provide two or more pieces of information to verify their identity when logging in to StudentAid.gov. Customers will use their username and password (FSA ID) and will also need to provide a secure code that is provided to the user by text, email, or through an authenticator app.

    As of July 10, all new customers (users creating an account for the first time) are required to set up one or more two-step verification methods (text, email, or authenticator app) as part of the “Create an Account” process. Existing customers will have the option to add two-step verification to their account in “Settings.” Once one or more two-step verification methods are set up, the customer will receive a secure code each time he or she logs in to StudentAid.gov.

    Beginning in November 2022, we will require existing customers to set up two-step verification during the log-in process if they have not already done so. This requirement will be implemented on a rolling basis to minimize impacts to customers and our contact centers. Additional information will be provided in the fall.

    Federal Student Aid contact centers are prepared to assist users with questions about the new process. In addition, the Aidan® virtual assistant has been updated to include information about two-step verification.

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Search – We added a new PSLF Employer Search which allows customers to search for qualifying PSLF employers without logging in to the PSLF Help Tool. The PSLF Employer Search provides easy-to-follow prompts and guides users through the process to determine if their employer qualifies for PSLF. Users will receive a message about next steps if their employer qualifies for PSLF, does not qualify for PSLF, or isn’t listed in the database.

    The employer search functionality is accessible to any user on StudentAid.gov, regardless of whether the user is logged in to the site or not. The link for the PSLF Employer Search is StudentAid.gov/pslf/employer-search.

  • Additional Website Updates – We made modifications and improvements to several features across the website including:

    • Aidan® virtual assistant

    • Borrower defense application experience

    • Income-driven repayment (IDR) plan landing page

    • Master Promissory Note (MPN)

    • PLUS Application

    • Status Center

    • StudentAid.gov home page and search functionality

    • “Submit a Complaint”

    • Total and Permanent Disability forms

As a reminder, we retired the myStudentAid mobile app on June 30, 2022 (see a separate announcement posted on June 28, 2022). As of July 10, 2022, the myStudentAid mobile app is no longer available in the app stores.

Additional Features and Enhancements Continuing in 2022

Throughout 2022, we will continue to add tools and enhance current features to improve our customers’ understanding of and interactions with the Title IV programs. Details about new tools and features will be provided in forthcoming Electronic Announcements posted on the FSA Partner Connect Knowledge Center.

We will also share information about FSA’s modernization efforts through partner emails, social media posts, and targeted outreach campaigns to ensure everyone knows what to expect going forward.

We appreciate your interest and support of FSA’s modernization efforts.

Last Modified: 12/12/2022